You Have Got To Be Kidding

We were driving over by the Oxford Valley Mall, stopped at the light. Next to us, a little bit ahead, was a cream colored Cadillac Escalade with the side window rolled down half way. A child was poking her arm and head out of the window, obviously not strapped into a car seat or seat belt. My teenage daughter was shocked, as was I. What was the driver of the car thinking?


I remember 20 years ago we could not leave the hospital with our new born without a nurse visually checking that we had a car seat ready to go. She actually accompanied us to the curb and looked through the window as we settled our newborn in and tugged on the car seat straps. Car seats and seat belts are such an ingrained part of how we treat our children and ourselves these days, it is actually shocking to see a child standing on the seat looking out the window as the traffic light changed to green.

Why do we feel such a visceral response to a thoughtless driver – one who chose not to use the car seat or one who simply forgot? Why, because we know the consequences to a child in the event of an accident – the consequences to the innocent – are potentially so severe and life altering we as a society demand that adults be responsible. Even when we can not predict the future. Even when we can only imagine that something might happen which leaves a child permanently injured. When we adapt into our lifestyle these safety measures we can not NOT look out for our own children and those in our community. These truths become who we are through conviction and repetition.

So what about other hard to predict events that may seriously effect the wellbeing of our children if we do not take daily action. I am writing of course about climate change and resource depletion. I can not predict the future, but isn’t precaution on the side of the environment better than the status quo? Aren’t the consequences for our grandchildren who will be living in 2100 and beyond too unpredictably bad for us not to make important life style changes now.

Let’s think of the car seat as a metaphor for some simple things like recycling, CFL’s, driving slower to save gas, planting native varieties, rain gardens, localvors and the like. These are things that should be, could be second nature to everyone in the culture. The kind of things that when one sees that they are not being followed are SHOCKING.

I remember when Lady Bird Johnson had her “Keep America Beautiful” campaign in the 1960’s, Mrs. Reagan had “Just Say No”, and now Mrs. Obama is promoting sensible eating habits. These are standards of the culture now, even if they are not universally followed. Cultural truths for the benefit of us all.

Most of us worry more that our car runs well than whether the planet is healthy. It’s time for that to change. Like the shock that the average person feels about our recalcitrant no-car-seat-parent noted above, let’s look in the environmental mirror at everything we do or take for granted and see if we aren’t shocked by our current status quo. The heart beat of our country is individuals initiating change. Nothing happens until each of us takes personal responsibility. Strap the baby in the car seat and look it the mirror, its time to get going.

Tom Wells can be found at tom@tgw-construction.com or on the web at http://www.tgw-construction.com/

This article was contributed by Thomas G. Wells


THOMAS G. WELLS CONSTRUCTION L.L.C.
105 Pennsylvania Avenue
Yardley, Pa. 19067

Tel: 215-321-4818
Fax: 215-321-2179
Cell: 215-378-4048

Source:

Superior Woodcraft, Inc. Custom Cabinetry Blog
Superior Woodcraft, Inc. Website

Superior Woodcraft At The Opening Reception For The Fine Home Building Expo in Doylestown, PA

Nationally-recognized custom cabinetmaker joins other award-winning industry professionals in a seasonal celebration of the home - proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity


Doylestown, PA, October 23, 2009 -- Superior Woodcraft, Inc., nationally-recognized custom cabinetmaker, located in Doylestown, PA, kicked off the fall season by presenting its latest eco-elegant furniture, cabinetry, and remodeling designs at the Fine Home Building Expo. Superior Woodcraft, an industry leader in environmentally sound practices and processes, designs, handcrafts, and installs heirloom-quality custom cabinetry, providing locally made and sustainable products of lasting value, utility, and beauty.

The Fine Home Building Expo, hosted at the IQnection Exhibition Gallery, 26 East Oakland Avenue, Doylestown, PA, continues through October 30th. Gallery hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. All proceeds from the show's Silent Auction benefit Habitat for Humanity Bucks County. Auction items include limited-edition cheeseboards, jewelry, and a gourmet gift basket. Auction bidding ends a 5:00 pm, October 30th. For more information, visit http://iqnection.com/gallery/silent_auction.htm.


About Superior Woodcraft, Inc.

Superior Woodcraft, Inc. designs, handcrafts, and installs heirloom-quality custom cabinetry with environmentally sound practices and materials; providing a locally made, sustainable product of lasting value, utility, beauty and harmony. Founded in 1967 by master cabinetmaker, Karl H. Geiger, Superior Woodcraft is committed to preserving the time-honored skills, traditions and integrity of old-world cabinetmaking. This philosophy transcends every style and thematic design when producing the highest-quality custom cabinetry for your entire home. Superior Woodcraft's master cabinetmakers, finishers and designers specialize in handcrafted cabinetry for custom kitchens, custom-fitted kitchens, master baths, pantries, bars, and offices. Living room built-ins, free-standing kitchen islands, powder room and bathroom vanities, and armoires are also available. View online portfolio at http://www.superiorwoodcraft.com/

About Habitat for Humanity Bucks County

Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County is a Christian ministry that calls on all people regardless of religious preference or cultural background to make safe, simple, affordable housing a matter of conscience and action in Bucks County. Each home Habitat for Humanity builds in Bucks County requires a commitment of 2000 volunteer hours, financial contributions of $115 per square foot, and the dedication of innumerable individuals speaking on behalf of the program. Habitat relies strictly on the generosity and commitment of neighbors and partner families to provide these resources. To learn more visit http://www.habitatbucks.org/about_habitat_bucks.htm.

About IQnection Internet Services and Exhibition Gallery

IQnection is a web design and web development company located in Doylestown, PA. The IQnection staff takes underperforming, outdated websites and turns them into lead-generating powerhouses. The IQnection Exhibition Gallery offers a space for local artists and businesses to support the community. The gallery features diverse forms of applied art, including movie posters, book cover art, handmade jewelry, animation, paintings, interactive media, photography, green products, stained glass windows and sculpture. Each show presents an opportunity for local businesses to sponsor the two month exhibit. To compliment the festivities, the gallery will feature one non-profit organization whose cause relates to the show's theme. To learn more visit http://www.iqnection.com/.

Tremendous Quality and Customer Service

From the initial meeting to the final installation, we were extremely pleased with Superior. Michele, Steve and the entire Superior team were a pleasure to work with. They have excellent design capabilities and directed the process from beginning to end keeping the project on track and on budget. We HIGHLY recommend Superior Woodcraft to anyone interested in the highest quality cabinetry for their home!

GScottH

Read other Reviews on Kudzu.

Source:


Superior Woodcraft, Inc. Custom Cabinetry Blog
Superior Woodcraft, Inc. Website